Amazing Things to Do in Nova Scotia

Known as Keji to locals, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site offers accessible wilderness adventures to those who love to camp, kayak, hike and swim. Kejimkujik is rich in Mi’kmaq history, Nova Scotia’s First Nations, and guided explorations take you through 4,000 years of their culture, including the viewing of more than 500 petroglyphs, or rock carvings. As the only Dark Sky Preserve in Nova Scotia, Keji offers the most incredible stargazing opportunities and regularly hosts experiences led by astronomers.

You’ll understand why Nova Scotia is known as ‘Canada’s Ocean Playground’ after a trip to Peggy’s Cove, which is located around 43km from Halifax. This tiny town is home to Canada’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, built in 1914. Watch as surging waves crash against granite bluffs surrounding this iconic attraction, or enjoy a delicious lobster roll while admiring the fishing wharves and boathouses lining its shores. The region is also a popular hiking spot, home to the 1,000 acre Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

At True North Destinations in Pleasant Bay, on the western coast of Cape Breton Island, you can sleep in a luxurious geodesic dome that overlooks the crashing Atlantic Ocean. Each dome has a private deck with a hot tub, some have barrel saunas, and all are outfitted with a king-sized bed, bathroom and small kitchen. Perfectly located for whale-watching excursions, hiking the spectacular Skyline Trail (where you may well see moose grazing), and dips in the ocean, these domes make the perfect base for exploring the world-famous Cabot Trail.

With 26 hiking and walking trails, six beaches, eight campgrounds, and waterfalls aplenty, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park should be on your Nova Scotia itinerary. It’s home to some of the highest peaks in the province, covering over 950sqkm at the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. This makes it a great spot for hiking, with scenic routes like the Skyline Trail overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where you may be lucky enough to spot whales. Other wildlife sightings include moose, beavers and eagles. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Tourists flock from across the globe to take in the scenic views of the Cabot Trail — one of Canada’s most famous driving routes. Showcasing coastal views, picturesque villages and lush forests, the 300km loop rings the northwest coast of Cape Breton Island and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Its winding roads and lookout points en route provide countless photo opportunities, especially later in the year when visitors come to marvel at the autumnal colours. Stop along the way to browse the work of local artists, as well as unique shops and seafood restaurants. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

The Cliffs of Fundy Unesco Global Geopark celebrates the magnificent coastline that has been shaped by the Bay of Fundy’s record-breaking high tides. It’s home to five spectacular islands, as well as Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, where you can conquer the three-day, 32mi (52km) Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail and will be rewarded with views of the Fundy coastline from the top of 600ft (180m) sea cliffs. You can also enjoy secluded beaches, a waterfall and plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities – including bald eagles, coyotes, bears and a huge range of birdlife.

Considered one of Canada’s most important fruit-growing regions, the Annapolis Valley is known for its lush orchards and award-winning wineries — for which it has gained worldwide recognition. Set in Nova Scotia’s charming countryside, the valley spans northward from Digby and runs parallel to the coastline of the Bay of Fundy, where you can see world-record waves and walk along the seafloor at low tide. The area’s top-notch restaurants are also highly rated for their fresh produce, thanks to the numerous farms in the area. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Characterised by its trendy ‘Brooklyn’ vibes, up-and-coming restaurant scene, cool thrift stores and hipster cafes, Halifax’s North End is one of the city’s most visited neighbourhoods. Browse its one-of-a-kind stores, before stopping off for a refreshing pint at one of the area’s many microbreweries, or checking out its bustling nightlife. Despite its contemporary feel, the North End is also a neighbourhood filled with history. Much of this part of Halifax was destroyed during the city’s famous 1917 explosion — a historical event marked by the Memorial Bell Tower. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Seeing Cape Chignecto Provincial Park from the sea is pretty spectacular, and on a day-long kayaking trip with NovaShores Adventures you get to explore the bays and beaches via a sea kayak. The coastline here is known for its towering cliffs, sea stacks, lava tubes and natural arches, and when you’re in a kayak you get the best view of these unique rock features.

Running from one end of the province to the other, the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail is Canada’s first and only winery, brewery, cidery, distillery and meandery trail. The route links more than 50 producers between Yarmouth and Sydney where you can discover new favourites, tour a distillery and sample award-winning wines while admiring sights like the Bay of Fundy. Pick up or download a Good Cheer Trail passport and wander the trail at your own pace, collecting stamps as you go, or explore as part of a tour, such as the Wolfville Magic Winery Bus. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

One of the most recognised attractions in Halifax, distinguishable by its iconic clock tower, Citadel provides a fun and fascinating look at Halifax’s past. Learn about its 18th-century origins at this historic hilltop fortress — the highest point in the city — where you can become a soldier for the day. You’ll be fitted with a military uniform, and have the chance to march in line, practice drills, and learn to fire a rifle. After your visit to the site, enjoy a picnic on Citadel Hill and take in views of the city. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Beginning at Memory Lane Heritage Village – a living history village depicting life in rural 1940s Nova Scotia – you’ll meet a fourth-generation clam digger before embarking on your own dig on the shores of Clam Harbour. As well as hearing more about clams and their habitat, you’ll learn about harvesting techniques and how to use a clam fork to find your prize mollusk. Later, you’ll be rewarded for your hard work with a ‘feed’ of fresh steamed clams and a traditional cookhouse meal, complete with soup, bread, baked beans and gingerbread. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Many of the towns and villages on the South Shore are connected by groomed bike trails that follow the now-defunct railway lines that used to connect this part of the province to Halifax. There are plenty of places to rent a bike in Halifax, so you can ride the 74mi (119km) Rum Runners Trail through the quaint communities of Hubbards, Chester and Mahone Bay before reaching the Unesco World Heritage site of Lunenburg. Be sure to stop for a lobster roll or coffee along the way.

Maple Syrup is a Canadian staple, and during spring, you can see it being made in Nova Scotia. The province is home to many sugar shacks, offering tours that take you through the process. Sugar Moon Maple Farm stretches over 200 acres and has over 2,500 tapped trees. Here, you can take an immersive experience called ‘Maple Magic’, where you’ll enjoy a hearty brunch of maple syrup-topped pancakes, served with maple cream, maple-laced, slow-cooked beans, and sausages. You’ll also have a guided tour and the chance to try syrup in the snow. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

This unparalleled dining experience, at Burntcoat Head Park in the Bay of Fundy, happens on the ocean floor when the world’s highest tide is out. To begin, you go out with a local forager to touch and taste the bounty right there in the park, before meeting the chef who’ll guide you through a decadent seafood lunch with local wine and beer pairings, followed by a guided walk on the ocean floor. The main event is a beautiful, chef-prepared three-course dinner as you watch the tide coming in, followed by a campfire on the tidal flats.

After the 1917 explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax — said to be the largest man-made explosion of all time before the atomic bomb — folklore stories began to emerge, such as babies surviving flight through the air by landing in trees. But one occurrence is too much of a coincidence to deny. Legend has it that at the moment of the explosion, one victim inside the historic St. Paul’s Church was standing parallel to a window and that the explosion’s sheer heat permanently etched his silhouette on the glass. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

You might not know it, but Nova Scotia is a popular beer destination, drawing in enthusiasts from all over the world. Granite Brewery, in Halifax, is the province’s longest-running brewery and focuses on traditional English ales, while Alexander Keith’s, one of North America’s oldest commercial breweries, is another popular choice. When weather permits, take advantage of the many beer gardens on offer and sample creatively named brews, like the Cats Rule Everything Around Me C.R.E.A.M Ale and Tom Waits For No One American Stout from Good Robot Brewing. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

The Nova Scotia coastline has dozens of beautiful white-sand beaches and an internationally respected surf scene. Centered around Lawrencetown and Martinique beaches just outside Halifax, the fun and friendly local summer surf scene is a great place for beginners, but it’s when the temperature drops that the swells increase and the waves get bigger. Pro-surfers dry-suit up and surf well into winter. There are several local surf schools and shops where you can rent boards and equipment.

Museums are a great way to discover more about Nova Scotia’s rich culture and history — and there are plenty to discover. Among the most popular is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which is located in the heart of Halifax’s historic waterfront. Here, you can learn about everything from small craft boatbuilding to the Titanic (visitors are invited to take a seat in a replica Titanic deck chair or step aboard CSS Acadia and have a front-row seat to history). Other favourites include the Museum of Natural History and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Discover Nova Scotia’s rich history at the largest historical reconstruction in North America, The Fortress of Louisbourg, where a quarter of the walls and a fifth of the town has been restored back to its original state. Providing visitors with an insight into French colonial life between 1713 and 1758, this living history museum houses over 40 historic buildings, as well as costumed interpreters and immersive experiences, including the chance to spend the night in a reproduction tent or period home. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Those who are brave enough can take a spooky tour through the oldest English graveyard in Canada by candlelight. The Garrison Cemetery, located on the grounds of Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal, comes alive at night as guides tell you stories of the people who lay there, dating back to the 1700s. As well as being entertaining (and a little bit creepy) knowledgeable guides make this tour extremely informative. Lanterns are provided and it’s recommended you wear comfortable shoes. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

When the Bay of Fundy tide rushes into the Shubenacadie River, it creates a tidal bore with massive waves, and when you’re out on those waves in an inflatable boat hanging on for dear life, that gives you one helluva rush. Head out with Tidal Bore Rafting Resort in Urbania, and you can go out on the river and ride the tidal bore, then retreat to one of their chalets and warm up in the outdoor hot tub.

Whale watching in Nova Scotia is a trip highlight for many. There are numerous spots around the province to spot whales, but we recommend heading to the Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton Island for the best experiences. Whales generally start to appear in the spring and stay until late autumn, with humpbacks typically arriving by mid-June. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, porpoises and sea birds which also frequent the waters here. Tour guides provide insightful commentary and local tales about the area. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

This free to visit National Historic Site also happens to be the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Created in 1867, the Halifax Public Gardens comprise an entire block of the downtown core, stretching over 17 acres. Take a leisurely stroll and see its many floral displays, including exotic and semi-tropical ornamental species, trees, and shrubs, or enjoy an hour-long tour where you can learn more about their historic significance. You can also spend time admiring the gardens’ statues, fountains, wrought iron gates and bandstand — each of which honours a milestone in Queen Victoria’s reign. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

There are so many fabulous restaurants in the Nova Scotia capital, helmed by creative and inspiring chefs. Tiny Bar Kismet is heaven for seafood lovers, with a killer cocktail menu. The Highwayman serves Spanish-inspired tapas and is a great place to gorge on local oysters. It started as a pop-up restaurant run by chef friends, but Hop Scotch Dinner Club soon became one of the hottest places in the city to eat the best of what’s produced in, or caught off the shores of, Nova Scotia. For exquisite maritime fare by renowned Canadian chefs Anthony Walsh and Jamie MacAulay, head to the newly opened DRIFT restaurant in the new Queens Marque development. The menu is inspired by the surrounding terroir and features dishes such as Nova Scotia lobster bisque and slow-cooked sustainable blue salmon.

A trip to Halifax isn’t complete without a stroll along its famous wooden boardwalk, stretching approximately 3km from the Pier 21 Museum and the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Soak up its bustling harbour activity as you pass the city’s picturesque dock, historic buildings, and abundance of shops and restaurants. Among its popular dining spots is The Bicycle Thief, offering North American food with an Italian soul, and Garrison Brewing Company, the award-winning independent microbrewery with a Titanic connection. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.

Wild horses roam free on this uninhabited sandy island in the middle of the ocean. Believed to be descended from Acadian horses that were on their way to Boston from Nova Scotia, ponies are bred on the shores here without any human interference. Due to its isolated placement and rough seas, Sable Island also has a long legacy of shipwrecks, giving it the nickname Graveyard of the Atlantic. Visitors are welcome between June and October, but as one of Canada’s furthest offshore islands, this destination is only accessible by air and by sea. Recommended by Kate Horodyski.